Claiming Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds in Vermont: Step-by-Step Guide

Many Vermont residents are surprised to learn they may be owed unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds and not even know it. These can come from old electric or phone accounts, security deposits that were never refunded, or extra money left in a mortgage escrow account.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how unclaimed funds usually work in Vermont and how you can check and claim money through official state and company channels. This site is an independent information resource — not a government office, not a utility company, and not a place to file claims.

What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits and Escrow Funds?

Unclaimed utility deposits in Vermont

Utility companies in Vermont sometimes require a deposit when you start service, for example:

• Electric (like Green Mountain Power or a local municipal utility)
• Natural gas or propane
• Water and sewer
• Telephone, internet, or cable services (less common now, but still possible)

You may be owed money if:

• You moved and never received your final bill or refund
• A deposit was applied to your account, but you overpaid
• The company mailed a check, but you never cashed it
• The account was in your name but handled by a roommate, landlord, or former partner

If the utility cannot reach you after a certain time, the money usually becomes “unclaimed property” and is turned over to the State of Vermont.

Unclaimed escrow funds in Vermont

Escrow funds are most common with mortgage loans and sometimes with rental or real estate transactions. Examples:

• A mortgage escrow account that held extra money for property taxes or insurance
• Money left in an escrow held by a closing attorney or title company after a home sale or refinance
• Overpayments or leftover balances after a mortgage is paid off

If that money cannot be returned to you or the owner, the bank or escrow holder may be required to send it to the Vermont unclaimed property office.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Money?

Anyone who has ever lived, rented, or owned property in Vermont may have unclaimed funds, including:

• People who moved within Vermont or out of state
• Students who rented off-campus housing or student apartments
• Former homeowners who refinanced, sold, or paid off a mortgage
• Tenants who changed apartments frequently
• People who changed their name (marriage, divorce, etc.)
• Heirs or family members of someone who has passed away

You can also sometimes claim money on behalf of:

• A deceased relative (with proper legal documents)
• A business you own or previously owned
• An estate you are managing

How Unclaimed Property Usually Works in Vermont

In Vermont, unclaimed deposits and escrow funds do not disappear. Instead, in most cases:

1. The business (utility, bank, escrow company, landlord, etc.) tries to contact you.
2. If they cannot reach you or the funds remain unused for a period of time, state law generally requires them to turn over the money to the State of Vermont.
3. The state’s unclaimed property program holds the money until the rightful owner (or heir) claims it, with no cost to claim.

These rules and timelines are usually managed by the Vermont State Treasurer’s Office (or a similar state unclaimed property division).

Step 1: Check If You Have Unclaimed Utility or Escrow Funds

You cannot claim money until you know it exists. In Vermont, people usually check in two places:

A. Search Vermont’s official unclaimed property database

Vermont maintains an official unclaimed property search tool managed by the state treasurer or unclaimed property division.

You can typically search by:

• Your current name
• Previous legal names (such as a maiden name)
• Business name, if you own or controlled a business
• Sometimes by last-known Vermont address

To find the correct search page:

1. Go to your internet browser.
2. Type something like: “Vermont unclaimed property search” or “Vermont State Treasurer unclaimed property”.
3. Make sure you’re on an official Vermont government website (the address will usually mention the state and not a private company).
4. Use the on-screen search tool to look for your name.

If a match is found, the system usually shows:

• Name of the owner
• Name of the holder (for example: a utility company, bank, mortgage company)
• Type of property (such as “utility deposit,” “escrow account,” “credit balance,” or similar)
• An approximate amount range (exact amounts may be given later in the claim process)

B. Check directly with utilities and mortgage/escrow companies

Not all funds are immediately turned over to the state. Some may still sit with:

• Electric/gas/water utilities
• Internet or cable providers
• Mortgage lenders or servicers
• Title or escrow companies
• Landlords or property management companies

You can:

• Review past paperwork or emails from old accounts
• Call the customer service or billing department and ask if any closed account in your name has a credit balance or refund
• Ask mortgage servicers if there is any remaining escrow balance after payoff or transfer

If they still hold the funds, they should tell you how to request a refund directly through them.

Typical Documents You May Need to Claim Funds

To claim unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds through Vermont’s official channels, you will usually need to prove your identity and prove your connection to the account.

Common documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Vermont driver’s license, state ID, or passport

• Proof of Social Security number (often requested)

  • Social Security card, W-2, or official tax document

• Proof of address or connection to the property/account, such as:

  • Old utility bill in your name
  • Lease agreement with your name and Vermont address
  • Mortgage statement or closing documents
  • Bank statement showing payments to the utility or mortgage company
  • Property tax bill with your name and address

• Name change documents, if needed:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order for legal name change

• For estates or deceased individuals:

  • Death certificate
  • Legal documents saying you are the executor, administrator, or heir
  • Sometimes a will or probate paperwork

Not every claim needs all of these. The Vermont unclaimed property office typically tells you exactly what is required after you start your claim.

Step 2: File an Official Claim with Vermont Unclaimed Property

Once you have found your name on Vermont’s unclaimed property search, your next step is to file a claim with the state. You cannot complete this process through HowToGetAssistance.org; you must go through Vermont’s official unclaimed property office.

The process usually looks like this:

1. Select the property you want to claim in the online search tool.
2. Choose your role
   • Owner (individual)
   • Business representative
   • Heir or estate representative
3. Fill out a claim form
   • Basic contact information (name, address, phone, email)
   • Social Security number (often requested for verification)
   • Explanation of how you are connected to the account, if needed
4. Submit documentation
   • Either upload digital copies (if the portal allows) or
   • Print the claim form, attach copies of documents, and mail them to the address the state provides
5. Sign and date
   • Some claims require a notarized signature. If so, you must sign before a notary public and mail the original.

If you prefer, you can usually request a paper claim form by contacting the Vermont unclaimed property office by phone or mail. Their phone number is typically listed on the official Vermont State Treasurer or unclaimed property website.

Step 3: What Happens After You File a Claim?

After you send in your claim to Vermont’s unclaimed property program:

1. Initial review
   Staff review your form to see if all required fields are filled out and documents are included.

2. Verification
   They usually compare:

   • Your ID information with the original account details
   • Addresses, Social Security number, or taxpayer ID
   • Proof of relationship if you are claiming on behalf of someone else

3. Requests for more information (if needed)
   If anything is missing, unclear, or doesn’t match, they may:

   • Send you a letter
   • Email or call (if you provided those details)
   • Ask for additional documents, like a clearer ID, more proof of address, or legal documentation for estates

4. Approval and payment
   If your claim is approved:

   • The state usually issues a check in your name
   • The check is typically mailed to the address you listed on the claim form

5. Processing time
   Timelines can vary, but many claims take several weeks to a few months depending on:

   • How complex the claim is
   • Whether you are claiming as an individual or on behalf of an estate or business
   • How quickly you respond if they request more documents

To check the status, you can:

• Use any online status tool provided on the Vermont unclaimed property site, or
• Call the unclaimed property office and provide your claim number.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Delays or denials usually happen for fixable reasons. Common issues include:

• Incomplete forms

  • Missing signature, missing contact information, or unanswered questions

• Insufficient ID

  • Unclear photocopies
  • Expired ID when a current one is required
  • Name on the ID does not match the claim (for example, if you changed your name and did not include proof)

• Weak proof of address or account connection

  • No documents linking you to the Vermont address on file
  • No evidence you lived at the property or held the account

• Estate documentation missing

  • For deceased owners, not providing letters of administration, executor appointment, or similar documentation

• Mismatched information

  • Different spellings of names
  • Different Social Security numbers
  • Wrong date of birth

If a claim is denied, Vermont’s unclaimed property office will typically explain why and may tell you:

• Whether you can resubmit with more documents
• If there is a formal review or appeal process you can use

How Appeals or Reviews Usually Work

If you disagree with a denial:

1. Read the denial notice carefully
   It usually lists the specific reason your claim didn’t meet requirements.

2. Gather stronger evidence
   This may include:

   • Better copies of ID
   • Additional bills, leases, or mortgage statements
   • Court or probate documents that were missing

3. Contact the unclaimed property office

   • Call or write to ask how to request a review or reconsideration
   • Follow their instructions exactly (some may require a written request)

4. Submit an appeal or new claim

   • Include your claim number and any new documentation
   • Stay organized and keep copies

Appeal rules and timelines can change, so it’s important to rely on instructions directly from the Vermont unclaimed property program.

Comparing Common Claim Situations

Below is a simple comparison to help you see what you may need depending on your situation:

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in Vermont?

In many states, including Vermont, unclaimed property does not expire and typically remains available to claim indefinitely. However:

• The original business (like the utility or bank) usually only holds the money for a limited period before sending it to the state.
• Once it is with the state, you normally can claim at any time, subject to state law.

Because details can change, it is wise to:

• Check Vermont’s official unclaimed property guidance
• Ask the unclaimed property office directly if there are any deadlines or special rules for your situation

If You Don’t See Anything Under Your Name

If your initial search shows no results:

1. Try different spellings

   • Use any previous last names
   • Try common misspellings you’ve seen before

2. Search past addresses
   Some databases let you search by city or address to confirm if anything looks familiar.

3. Search for relatives or a business name

   • Especially if you were an officer, owner, or executor.

4. Check again later
   Businesses send new unclaimed property records to the state on a regular schedule, so new items can appear over time.

If you still believe money is owed to you:

• Contact the specific company (utility, lender, or landlord) directly with your old account information.
• Ask them whether any unclaimed refund or deposit remains and whether it has been turned over to Vermont.

Alternatives and Related Help if You’re Facing Financial Strain

Finding unclaimed utility deposits or escrow funds can help, but it is not a guaranteed or ongoing source of support. If you are currently struggling to pay bills in Vermont, you might also consider:

• Utility assistance programs

  • Many utilities offer payment plans, budget billing, or hardship assistance
  • Some Vermont households may qualify for fuel assistance or electric assistance through state benefit agencies

• Housing and rental assistance

  • Local housing authorities and community action agencies may have programs for rent or utilities support, depending on funding

• 211 helpline

  • By dialing 211 from most phones, you can usually reach a statewide information and referral line that can help identify local assistance programs, including those in Vermont.

For each of these, you would contact the official state agency, local office, or hotline that runs the program. HowToGetAssistance.org does not process applications or handle funds.

How to Avoid Scams When Claiming Unclaimed Money

Anytime money is involved, it is important to be careful. Some companies or individuals may offer to “help” you find unclaimed property for a fee or may pretend to be from the government. To protect yourself:

• ✅ Use official Vermont government websites

  • Look for clear signs that it is a state-run site, not a private business.
  • Avoid sites that ask for upfront payment just to search.

• ✅ Be cautious with unsolicited calls, emails, or letters

  • If someone contacts you saying they found money in your name, do not share personal information until you have verified who they are.
  • You can confirm by calling the Vermont State Treasurer’s unclaimed property office directly using a phone number you find independently.

• ✅ Know that the state does not charge you to claim

  • The Vermont unclaimed property program generally does not charge a fee for you to claim your money.
  • Some “finders” or “locators” may ask for a percentage — this is usually optional and not required to recover funds.

• ✅ Protect sensitive information

  • Only provide your Social Security number or bank details through official forms and secure channels.
  • If mailing documents, follow the instructions from the Vermont unclaimed property office and consider using reliable mail services.

If something doesn’t feel right, contact the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, the State Treasurer’s Office, or another official consumer protection office to ask if a contact is legitimate.

By understanding how unclaimed utility deposits and escrow funds are handled in Vermont and by using the official unclaimed property channels, you can check whether any money is owed to you and take clear, practical steps to claim it.